Cathode for an electrochemical cell

Abstract

Described is a thin-film battery, especially a thin-film microbattery, and a method for making same having application as a backup or primary integrated power source for electronic devices. The battery includes a novel electrolyte which is electrochemically stable and does not react with the lithium anode and a novel vanadium oxide cathode. Configured as a microbattery, the battery can be fabricated directly onto a semiconductor chip, onto the semiconductor die or onto any portion of the chip carrier. The battery can be fabricated to any specified size or shape to meet the requirements of a particular application. The battery is fabricated of solid state materials and is capable of operation between -15° C. and 150° C.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A cathode for a thin-film electrochemical cell comprising an amorphous metal-oxide layer having a submicron microstructure. 
     
     
       2. The cathode of claim  1  wherein said submicron microstructure is formed of closely packed submicron size grains of vanadium oxide. 
     
     
       3. The cathode of claim  1  wherein said metal-oxide is VO x  where x is equal to 2.5.